Grand Valley wineries fare well in vintage competition

Grand Valley wineries were among the winners of an annual competition featuring some of the best vintages in Colorado.

A total of more than 220 wines from 32 wineries were judged at the Governor’s Cup Wine Competition in Denver.

“The judges repeatedly raved about the increased quality in the wines they reviewed over previous years,” said Doug Caskey, executive director of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. The board, a division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, promotes the wine industry, hosts the competition.

Three Palisade wineries were among category winners at the event.

Talon Winery won the category for the best aromatic Germanic variety and best white wine with its 2012 Gewurztraminer. Canyon Wind Cellars won the category for the best rosé for its 2012 47-Ten Rosé. And St. Kathryn’s Cellars won the category for fruit wines with its cherry wine.

Two Rivers Winery in Grand Junction won the category for best dessert wine with its 2008 port.

In addition, Meadery of the Rockies in Palisade won the category for best mead.

Creekside Cellars in Evergreen won the 2013 Governor’s Cup for a 2010 Cabernet Franc produced from grapes grown in Palisade.

The winning wines will be poured at an awards presentation and reception set for June 7 at the Metropolitan State University Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center in Denver.

In addition, a week-long celebration of Colorado wines will culminate June 8 with the Colorado Urban Winefest at Infinity Park in Glendale. Nearly 40 wineries will pour samples and sell bottles at the event.

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